Clara Wæver (1855–1930)

Clara Wæver was born in Stubbekøbing on the Danish island of Falster. Her parents were Hanne Elizabeth and Christian Pedersen Wæver, a sea captain. Their surname came from previous generations of weavers. In 1875, her father retired from the sea and the family moved to Copenhagen. Clara learned to embroider at a girls' school and trained as a needlework teacher. In 1890, Clara and her younger sister Augusta received a retail trade certificate and opened their own embroidery shop and a school to train young women in handicrafts. At that time in history, it was customary for young women to learn how to sew and embroider because when they married, they were expected to provide napkins, table cloths, bed linens, shirts, handkerchiefs, and other items for their families. Augusta took care of the business while Clara was responsible for the teaching. The business prospered, attracting customers from both the city and the countryside. Within 10 years, it had achieved a reputation for the highest quality workmanship, and become known throughout Scandinavia for its special cross-stitch patterns with nature motifs. The business also began to supply embroidered goods to churches throughout the country, especially altar cloths and carpets. Due to the difficulties of obtaining materials during World War I, the Wævers sold the business in 1917 to N.C. Dyrlund.